Ophthalmic compositions and methods for treating eyes

Abstract

Ophthalmic compositions including compatible solute components and/or polyanionic components are useful in treating eyes, for example, to relieve dry eye syndrome, to protect the eyes against hypertonic insult and/or the adverse effects of cationic species on the ocular surfaces of eyes and/or to facilitate recovery from eye surgery.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating one or more ocular surface complications in a patient subject to a surgical procedure in which at least one eye of the patient is exposed to laser energy, wherein the treatment comprises administering to the ocular surface an aqueous solution comprising ophthalmically acceptable amounts of:
 erythritol, and its isomers thereof; 
 carnitine, its isomers and suitable salts thereof; 
 glycerin; and 
 an ionically charged polymeric material selected from the group consisting of carboxymethyl cellulose and mixtures of carboxymethyl cellulose compounds. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ocular surface complication comprises keratitis. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ocular surface complication comprises chemical damage to the ocular surface. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ocular surface complication comprises keratoconjunctivitis sicca. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the ocular surface complication comprises neurotrophic hyperesthesia. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the surgical procedure comprises Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK). 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises stabilized chlorine dioxide. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered after the surgical procedure. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered during the surgical procedure. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is administered prior to the surgical procedure. 
     
     
       11. A method of increasing comfort in a patient wearing contact lenses, the method comprising applying to at least one eye of the patient a composition comprising therapeutically effective amounts of erythritol, carnitine, glycerin, carboxymethyl cellulose, and water. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the composition further comprises stabilized chlorine dioxide. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the patient comfort is increased by reducing the incidence of one or more of ocular dryness and discomfort during contact lens wear after administration of the composition.